Shamrock Rovers moved back into third place in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Derry City at the Brandywell.
Daniel Carr’s second half strike was enough for Stephen Bradley’s men to secure their fourth league win in a row and move ahead of Waterford in Premier Division table, as for Derry their poor form continues as boos rang out at the final whistle, for the second game in a row.
Despite the game being played in glorious sunshine, it was disappointing crowd at the Brandywell.
Two outstanding Jamie McDonagh’s deliveries from the right caused problems for Rovers in the early stages, but on both occasions Derry failed to capitalise with both Eoin Toal and Ronan Hale failing to get a proper touch on either cross.
Rovers should have done better themselves after 28 minutes as Dylan Watts’ right-wing free-kick found Roberto Lopes, but the big centre-back’s header flew well over.
Early in the second half a teasing Kevin McHattie left-wing cross found a sliding Rory Hale, but his close-range effort was blocked by Rovers keeper Alan Mannus.
After 49 minutes, Rovers went close to breaking the deadlock as Sean Kavanagh’s long-range effort, which had City keeper Gerard Doherty scrambling, flashed just past the right-hand post.
Derry should have taken the lead six minutes later as a clever turn and pass by Hale released Ally Roy, but the Scottish striker blasted over from the left side of the box.
That missed chance by Roy came back to haunt City, as Rovers took the lead against the run of play as Ethan Boyle’s right wing cross-cum-shot found an unmarked Dan Carr at the back post and the substitute side footed home.
Incredibly, that Carr goal was the 70th that Kenny Shiels’ side have conceded this season.
Moments later a super run and cross by Aaron McEneff found Ronan Hale at the near post, but the young striker fluffed his lines and his volley was well off target.
Carr should have sealed the points for the Dublin side in the 80th minute but after taking a touch, when it was best to hit Finn’s cross first time, his shot was deflected wide by Toal.
Soon after Derry should have levelled things as they caught Rovers on the counter-attack, but after Ronan Hale had played in McEneff, the midfielder’s shot over the out-rushing Mannus, sailed over the crossbar.
Derry City: Doherty, McDonagh, Toal, Cole, McHattie; Splaine, McEneff, Rory Hale (Low 73); Delap (Peers 83), Roy, Ronan Hale.
Shamrock Rovers: Mannus, Boyle, Lopes, Grace, S Kavanagh; Bolger, Watts (Bone 84), Finn; B Kavanagh (Coustrain 56), Greene, Miele (Carr 56).
Referee: Derek Tomney (Dubliln).
